Gaming machine coin carrying device and method

ABSTRACT

A gaming machine coin carrying device and method, which permits a player to withdraw coins from the coin output area of a gaming machine in a hygienic and relatively secure manner. A bag-type structure is formed of a flexible material, preferably nylon. Handles are preferably positioned at each end of the bag-type structure. A lid formed of a flexible material is located at an upper portion of the bag-type structure, and is optionally closed or opened with a drawstring located at an upper portion thereof.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates generally to devices and methods for removing the coin output from a gaming machine and, more particularly, to a flexible, closable coin carrier adapted to be positioned within the payout area of a gaming machine and to therein receive coin output from the gaming machine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Winning players of gaming machines, such as slot machines, video poker machines, and the like, need to determine how they are going to remove their winnings. In particular, where the winnings are paid in the form of coins, the player will need to remove those coins from the gaming machine's coin output area.

[0003] Currently, there are several ways that players accomplish this. One method is for the player to simply reach into the output area with his or her hand and scoop/scrape out the coin(s) located therein. This can be unsatisfactory for several reasons. First, if there are a lot of coins, it can be difficult to scoop/scrape them from the output area. In practice, it may require both hands and several passes to remove a particularly large jackpot. In addition, there are those who find the experience of passing their hands along the surface of the output area to be unhygienic.

[0004] Some players use a plastic bucket to carry off their winnings. In this regard, the plastic bucket is placed outside and below the output area, so that coins may be swept out of the output area and into the bucket. However, the buckets used for this purpose lack handles, and can be dropped by the player. Moreover, because the buckets are open at the top, the contents can be expected to spill in the event of a drop. Finally, the need for the player to sweep the coins out output area and into the bucket raises the same hygiene issue discussed above.

[0005] A need therefore existed for a device and method for removing coin winnings from a gaming machine. The device and method should allow a player to remove coin winnings without ever having to place his or her hands in contact with the surface of the output area. Further, the device should have handles, so that it may be conveniently carried. Finally, the device should be closable, to limit or eliminate the risk of accidental spillage. The present invention satisfies these needs and provides other, related, advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide a device and method for removing coin winnings from a gaming machine without requiring a player to place his or her hands in contact with the surface of the output area.

[0007] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a device for removing coins from a gaming machine, wherein the device has handles.

[0008] It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a device for removing coins from a gaming machine that is closable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a gaming machine coin carrying device is disclosed. The device comprises, in combination: a bag-type structure defining a coin storage area; wherein the bag-type structure comprises a flexible material; and a lid fixedly attached to the bag-type structure at an upper portion thereof and adapted to be placed within each of an open and a closed position while remaining attached to the upper-portion of the bag-type structure.

[0010] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a gaming machine coin carrying device is disclosed. The device comprises, in combination: a bag-type structure defining a coin storage area; wherein the bag-type structure comprises a flexible material; wherein the bag-type structure comprises a washable material; wherein the bag-type structure comprises nylon; a lid fixedly attached to the bag-type structure at an upper portion thereof and adapted to be placed within each of an open and a closed position while remaining attached to the upper-portion of the bag-type structure; a drawstring coupled to an upper portion of the lid and wherein a pulling action on the drawstring causes a closing of the lid; a locking device coupled to the drawstring; and two handles coupled to the bag-type structure.

[0011] In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, a method for removing coins from a gaming machine is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: providing a bag-type structure defining a coin storage area; wherein the bag-type structure comprises a flexible material; providing a lid fixedly attached to the bag-type structure at an upper portion thereof and adapted to be placed within each of an open and a closed position while remaining attached to the upper-portion of the bag-type structure; positioning the bag-type structure in a coin output area of a gaming machine while the lid is in an open position; receiving coins in the coin storage area; removing the bag-type structure from the coin storage area; and closing the lid.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following, more particular, description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a gaming machine coin carrying device consistent with the present invention.

[0014]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1 in position in the output area of a gaming machine.

[0015]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1 shown in a closed configuration.

[0016]FIG. 4 is a side, cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 1, taken along line 4-4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] Referring first to FIGS. 1 and 3, an embodiment of a coin carrying device 10 consistent with the present invention is shown. The coin carrying device 10 consists generally of a coin storage area 12, which is defined by an upwardly open bag-type structure 14. The bag-type structure 14 is preferably formed from a flexible, washable material. A lightweight nylon material is preferred.

[0018] The preferred dimensions of the bag-type structure 14 include a height of about 4.5 inches (excluding the closable top area, discussed below), a width of about 6 inches, and a length of about 6 inches.

[0019] It is preferred to couple to the bag-type structure 14 at least one and preferably two handles 16. The handles 16 are preferably constructed from the same flexible material used to construct the bag-type structure 14. In particular, in the preferred embodiment, this material is a lightweight, waterproof, nylon material. Still further, the handles 16 preferably are formed from nylon strips that are approximately 16 inches in length, and that have a width of approximately {fraction (3/4)} of an inch. The handles 16 may be affixed to the bag-type structure 14 in any desired manner, and in the preferred embodiment are sewn into position.

[0020] Referring now to FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, the coin carrying device 10 further preferably includes an integral lid 18. The lid 18 is also preferably formed of a lightweight nylon material that is waterproof, and that is of lighter weight than the material used in the bag-type structure 14 and handles 16. The lid 18 is secured circumferentially at a lower portion thereof to an upper portion of the bag-type structure 14, preferably by sewing. At an upper portion of the lid 18 is formed a looped area 20, preferably by sewing the uppermost portion of the lid 18 to a lower portion of the lid 18, as best seen in FIG. 4. Into the looped area 18 is placed a drawstring 22.

[0021] Referring to the drawstring 22 in greater detail, it is preferably a {fraction (1/4)} inch nylon drawstring. Further, it preferably has thereon a locking device 24 of a type known in the drawstring art, to permit the secure tightening of the drawstring 22 when it is desired to close the lid 18.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 3, the lid 18 should have sufficient dimension so that, upon tightening of the drawstring 22 with the locking device 24, the lid 18 can assume a substantially closed configuration such it is difficult or impossible for coins to fall out of the bag-type structure 14 if it is dropped onto the ground. It is preferred, for this purpose, that the lid 18 have a height of approximately 2 inches.

[0023] It should be noted that it is contemplated that the exterior surface of the bag-type structure 14 will be utilized for the placement thereon of printed material of some type, including a logo, company name, advertising material, casino name, or other desired material.

[0024] Referring to FIG. 4, it can be seen that coin carrying device 10 further comprises a bottom section 26, which preferably is sewn to a bottom portion of the bag-type structure 14. The bottom section 26 should include sufficient material so that it will extend downward and thereby increase the interior carrying space of the carrying device 10 when a significant volume of coins 28 (see FIG. 2) are inserted therein. The bottom section 26 is preferably formed of the same type of material used in the construction of the lid 18.

[0025] Further, it may be desired to provide a pocket (not shown) on either the inside or outside of the bag-type structure 14. One possible use for the pocket would be to carry a user's driver's license, credit card, debit card, gaming card, social security card, cash, or other items.

Statement of Operation

[0026] A player playing a gaming machine 30 will position the carrying device 10 in the coin output area 32 prior to retrieving his or her winnings from the machine. Such retrieval is generally initiated by the player depressing a “cash out” button, or the like, located on the gaming machine 30. (In this regard, it can be seen that the overall dimensions of the carrying device 10 should permit it to be positioned within the coin output area 32.) Of course, for this stage of the operation, the carrying device 10 should be in an open configuration, with the lid 18 in an open position.

[0027] After the coins 28 have been dispensed into the carrying device 10, the player can remove it from the coin output area 32. After removal, the player will generally wish to close the carrying device 10 by pulling on the drawstring 22 and moving the locking device 24 toward the looped area 20. In this configuration, the risk of accidental spillage of coins 28 should be reduced or eliminated. Moreover, if there are a large number of coins 28 in the carrying device 10, it will be more discrete and thus more secure to transport them in a closed rather than open container. Finally, the player will be able to carrying the carrying device 10 by grasping one or both handles 16.

[0028] When the player is finished using the carrying device 10, the player may wish to fold it up for storage purposes.

[0029] While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

I claim:
 1. A gaming machine coin carrying device comprising, in combination: a bag-type structure defining a coin storage area; wherein said bag-type structure comprises a flexible material; and a lid fixedly attached to said bag-type structure at an upper portion thereof and adapted to be placed within each of an open and a closed position while remaining attached to said upper-portion of said bag-type structure.
 2. The device of claim 1 wherein said bag-type structure comprises a washable material.
 3. The device of claim 2 wherein said bag-type structure comprises nylon.
 4. The device of claim 1 further comprising a drawstring coupled to an upper portion of said lid and wherein a pulling action on said drawstring causes a closing of said lid.
 5. The device of claim 4 further comprising a locking device coupled to said drawstring.
 6. The device of claim 1 further comprising at least one handle coupled to said bag-type structure.
 7. The device of claim 6 further comprising two handles coupled to said bag-type structure.
 8. A gaming machine coin carrying device comprising, in combination: a bag-type structure defining a coin storage area; wherein said bag-type structure comprises a flexible material; wherein said bag-type structure comprises a washable material; wherein said bag-type structure comprises nylon; a lid fixedly attached to said bag-type structure at an upper portion thereof and adapted to be placed within each of an open and a closed position while remaining attached to said upper-portion of said bag-type structure; a drawstring coupled to an upper portion of said lid and wherein a pulling action on said drawstring causes a closing of said lid; a locking device coupled to said drawstring; and two handles coupled to said bag-type structure.
 9. A method for removing coins from a gaming machine comprising the steps of: providing a bag-type structure defining a coin storage area; wherein said bag-type structure comprises a flexible material; providing a lid fixedly attached to said bag-type structure at an upper portion thereof and adapted to be placed within each of an open and a closed position while remaining attached to said upper-portion of said bag-type structure; positioning said bag-type structure in a coin output area of a gaming machine while said lid is in an open position; receiving coins in said coin storage area; removing said bag-type structure from said coin storage area; and closing said lid.
 10. The method of claim 9 wherein said bag-type structure comprises a washable material.
 11. The method of claim 10 wherein said bag-type structure comprises nylon.
 12. The method of claim 9 further comprising a drawstring coupled to an upper portion of said lid and wherein a pulling action on said drawstring causes a closing of said lid.
 13. The method of claim 12 further comprising a locking device coupled to said drawstring.
 14. The method of claim 9 further comprising at least one handle coupled to said bag-type structure.
 15. The method of claim 14 further comprising two handles coupled to said bag-type structure. 